These Cruises for World War II Buffs Combine Travel With History Lessons

With two distinguished historians, this journey along the Elbe begins in Berlin, with stops in Dresden, Wittenberg, Torgau, Prague, and other significant World War II locations. Optional pre-and post-cruise extensions are available for in-depth exploration of Berlin and Prague. The Elbe Princess, CroisiEurope Cruises, April 11-19, 2019.

Beginning in London, the tour explores the city’s role in planning the D-Day invasion and continues to Portsmouth, Paris, and Normandy with a full day tour featuring Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and D-Day Museum. Viking Longship Rolf, Viking River Cruises May 29-June 9.

Guests will follow the path of Germany’s conquest of Western Europe, including Rotterdam, Bruges, Ghent, Dunkirk, and Calais. The cruise, chartered by the World War II Museum, will culminate at Normandy Beaches with a ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery and then sail across the English Channel to Dover. Ovation, Seabourn, May 29-June 7, 2019.

Sailing down the North Sea and English Channel coast from Amsterdam to Normandy, stops will include Rotterdam, Bruges, Ghent, Dunkirk, Dieppe, and Calais, culminating in Normandy and ending with an overnight sailing across the English Channel to Southampton. Seven Seas Navigator, chartered by the World War II Museum, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, May 30-June 8, 2019.

Beginning in Paris, the cruise along the Seine with onboard lectures stops at Normandy with an option of attending a ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The cruise concludes in Paris with an optional WWII theme tour and museum visit. Tapestry II, Avalon Waterways, June 4-11, 2019.

This land and cruise tour begins in Athens and continues to Crete, Corfu, and Albania. The cruise culminates in Dubrovnik, with an option extension. Onboard commentary will be provided by Robert M. Citino, an award-winning military historian and scholar. Sea Cloud, Chartered by National WWII Museum, September 22-October 2, 2019.

Departing from Hong Kong, the cruise continues to Taiwan to visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei, and on to Japan with stops in Okinawa, the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima, and more. Then on to Osaka following General MacArthur’s journey to accept Japan’s surrender in 1945. Le Laperouse, Ponant Quintessential Collection, September 27-October 10, 2019.

Featuring lectures by internationally recognized historians and expert local guides, this land tour and river cruise begins in Paris and includes a tour of Versailles and optional days in Paris. SS Joie de Vivre, Uniworld, October 13-21, 2019.